Which of the following is included in lung capacities?

• A. Tidal volume
• B. Vital capacity
• C. Residual volume
• D. Expiratory reserve volume

Answer: (B)

Vital capacity is included in lung capacities because it represents the maximum amount of air a person can exhale after taking the deepest breath possible. This measure is essential for assessing lung function and overall respiratory health. Vital capacity is typically broken down into three major components: tidal volume, inspiratory reserve volume, and expiratory reserve volume, reflecting the total volume of air that can be mobilized in breathing.

While tidal volume, residual volume, and expiratory reserve volume are all important components of respiratory physiology, they do not encompass the entirety of lung capacities in the same way that vital capacity does. Residual volume, for example, is the amount of air remaining in the lungs after a forced exhalation and does not contribute to the active capacity of the lungs during breathing efforts.